JP2022501254A - Steering device with connector unit for electrical contact of steering sensor unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a steering device, the steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c) providing the sensor accommodating area (12a), and the steering sensor unit (14a) arranged in the sensor accommodating area (12a) in the assembled state. 14b) and the connector unit (18a) arranged in the contact recess (16a) of the steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c) in the assembled state for electrical contact with the steering sensor unit (14a; 14b). 18b; 18c), and the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is a plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) for connecting to the steering sensor unit (14a; 14b) and at least a connector unit (20a; 20c; 20c). The starting point is a steering device including a support unit (22a; 22b; 22c) connected to a plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) in a pre-assembled state of 18a; 18b; 18c). This steering device has a disconnection unit (24a; 24b), and this disconnection unit is a plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) in the process of assembling the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c). The force applied during the assembly process of the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is applied to the insertion unit (20a; 20c; It is proposed that it be provided to be transmitted to the 20c) and / or the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c).

Description

The present invention is based on a method for assembling a steering device of the type according to the superordinate concept of claim 1 and a steering device of the type according to the superordinate concept of claim 15. Further, the present invention relates to a steering system including such a steering device and a connector unit of such a steering device.

According to the prior art, a steering system for an automobile is known, which comprises a steering sensor arranged on the steering shaft for detecting a steering angle and / or a steering moment applied to the steering shaft. Such a steering sensor typically includes a sensor casing joined to the steering shaft and a sensor element disposed within the sensor casing.

In a known assembly process, the sensor casing is pressed onto the steering shaft and attached to the steering shaft. The steering shaft is then mounted in the assembly opening of the steering gear casing together with the sensor casing, at the same time the sensor cable can be manually connected to the sensor casing or sensor element by the assembler. The assembly opening is then closed by the casing cover. However, such a structure results in a complex and time-consuming assembly process that requires particularly multiple assembly steps and also requires manual insertion of the sensor cable during the steering shaft or steering sensor assembly process.

An object of the present invention is, in particular, to provide a steering device and a method for assembling the steering device, which has improved characteristics with respect to contacts. This problem is solved by the features of claims 1, 13, 14, and 15, and dependent claims can be referred to for suitable configurations and other configurations of the present invention.

Disclosure of the Invention The present invention is a steering device, the steering gear casing providing the sensor accommodating area, and the steering shaft rotatably supported around the steering axis, which is arranged in the sensor accommodating area in the assembled state. In particular, the steering sensor unit for detecting at least one steering information and, in the assembled state, the steering gear casing, preferably located in a circumferentially closed contact recess, particularly a hole and / or an opening. A connector unit, particularly a steering sensor unit in the assembled state of the connector unit, and particularly a connector unit for direct electrical contact, the connector unit being a difference for connecting to the steering sensor unit. It originates from a steering device that includes a built-in unit and at least a support unit that is connected to the plug-in unit in a pre-assembled state of the connector unit.

This steering device has a disconnection unit, and the disconnection unit is a connector unit so that the coupling between the insertion unit and the support unit is released in the process of assembling the connector unit. It is suggested that the force applied during the assembly process be transmitted to the plug-in unit and / or the support unit. With such a configuration, the contact of the steering sensor unit, which is particularly advantageous, reliable and / or flexible, can be achieved with the specified insertion force. Further, in this case, in particular, the assembly process can be significantly simplified, advantageous automation of the assembly process can be achieved, and the number of manual work steps can be reduced. More preferably, the flexibility of the steering device can be increased and / or the driving safety can be improved. More preferably, the service life and / or fatigue strength of the steering device can be improved.

It should be understood that a "steering device" is, in this context, particularly at least a portion, particularly a subassembly, of a vehicle, preferably an automobile steering system. The steering device may further include a casing cover provided, especially for closure, in order to axially cover the sensor housing area, in particular in the assembled state. Preferably, in this case, the steering gear casing has an assembly opening for accommodating the steering sensor unit, which can be closed particularly by the casing cover, and preferably for accommodating the steering shaft at least partially. There is. The steering shaft is preferably formed of a plurality of parts, preferably at least one input shaft, preferably a steering spindle, and at least one output shaft formed separately from the input shaft, preferably a steering pinion. And include. The longitudinal extension of the steering shaft defines the axial direction, in particular in this case. In particular, the steering device can also include a steering shaft. Further, the "steering sensor unit" is particularly a sensor unit that surrounds the steering shaft in the circumferential direction, and is based on the rotation of the steering shaft, preferably based on the rotation of the input shaft relative to the output shaft. In particular, it should be understood that it is a sensor unit provided for detecting at least one steering information related to the operation of the steering wheel of the steering system. In this case, the steering information is preferably the steering angle and / or, in particular, the steering moment applied to the steering shaft by the steering wheel. In order to detect steering information, the steering sensor unit may specifically include at least one sensor element. It should be understood that "provided" is specifically designed and / or equipped. It should be understood that an object is provided for a given function, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this given function, at least in use and / or operating conditions. ..

Further, a "connector unit" is a unit that is action-coupled to the steering gear casing, particularly in the assembled state, and is preferably formed separately and / or separately from the steering gear casing for steering. It should be understood that it is a unit provided to provide contact potential for electrical contact of the sensor unit. To this end, connector units specifically include plug-in units that include at least one plug-in element in the form of a plug, coupling, and / or socket. In particular, the plug-in unit, in the assembled state, is preferably completely located within the sensor housing area for coupling of the steering sensor unit with another plug-in unit corresponding to this plug-in unit. It is provided specifically for coupling of this other plug-in unit, especially in the form of plugs, couplings, and / or sockets, especially with at least one other plug-in element. Preferably, another plug-in unit is firmly and / or relatively immovably supported relative to the steering gear casing in this case. Further, the insertion direction for connecting the insertion element and another insertion element is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the assembly direction and / or the axial direction of the casing cover. In particular, the plug-in element and another plug-in element are oriented relative to each other so that, in this case, automatic electrical contact of the steering sensor unit is made during the assembly process of the connector unit. .. The expression "at least almost vertical" should in this case define the orientation in the direction relative to the reference direction, in which case this direction and the reference direction are particularly observed in one plane, especially 82. It forms an angle of ° to 98 °, preferably 85 ° to 95 °, particularly preferably 88 ° to 92 °. Further, a "support unit" is a unit that is mechanically connected to the plug-in unit, preferably at least in a pre-assembled state of the connector unit, and in particular, at least one of the weights of the plug-in unit. Provided at least to mechanically stabilize the plug-in unit during the assembly process of the connector unit, in order to accept the part and especially to allow connection between the plug-in element and another plug-in element. Please understand that it is a unit. In this case, for the connection between the support unit and the plug-in unit, the support unit specifically comprises at least one connecting element, and the plug-in unit contains at least one other connecting element corresponding to this connecting element. .. Further, the "disconnection unit" is a particularly one unit that is working and coupled to the connector unit, the steering sensor unit, and / or the steering gear casing, and is particularly supported by the insertion unit in the process of assembling the connector unit. Connector so that the coupling with the body unit is automatically and / or spontaneously disengaged, and in particular the defined movement of the plug-in unit relative to the steering gear casing is achieved. It should be understood that the unit is provided so as to transmit an external force, particularly a plug-in force and / or a rotational force, to the plug-in unit and / or the support unit in the process of assembling the unit. In particular, the disconnecting unit may include a portion of a connector unit, a steering sensor unit, and / or a steering gear casing, or is exclusively formed of a portion of a connector unit, a steering sensor unit, and / or a steering gear casing. May be good.

Further, it has been proposed that the plug-in unit and the support unit are coupled to each other in a frictional connection and / or in a shape connection, whereby a particularly reusable connector unit can be achieved.

In this regard, it is further proposed that the plug-in unit and the support unit are coupled to each other by a locking connection and / or preferably by a plug-in rotary connection in the form of a bayonet connection. In particular, the connecting element is in this case formed as a locking element and / or as a bolt / nut element. Thereby, in particular, preferably simple disconnection can be achieved, especially by linear and / or rotational motion.

According to the configuration of the present invention, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit is brought about by the linear insertion operation of the connector unit in order to break the coupling between the insertion unit and the support unit, in particular. It is proposed to include at least one insertion force component that acts in the insertion direction. In particular, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit may include the insertion force component exclusively in this case in order to release the coupling between the insertion unit and the support unit. This, in particular, preferably allows rapid and / or intuitive assembly to be achieved.

Alternatively or additionally, the force applied during the assembly process of the connector unit is due to the rotational movement of the connector unit, especially the support unit, in order to disengage the coupling between the insertion unit and the support unit. It is proposed to include at least one rotational force component that results, in particular, acts at least approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction. In particular, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit may include a rotational force component exclusively in this case in order to release the coupling between the insertion unit and the support unit. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly reliable disconnection, which is preferably perceptible from the outside.

Further, the disconnection unit may include, for example, at least one, particularly additional disconnection element, such as a ridge, recess, and / or rod element, which is in the process of insertion. It is provided so as to contact the plug-in unit and / or the support unit and transmit the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit to the plug-in unit and / or the support unit. However, according to the preferred configuration of the present invention, it is proposed that, alternative or additionally, the disengagement element is at least partially integrally formed with the steering sensor unit and / or the steering gear casing. .. An object is "at least partially integrally formed" with another object, in particular in this context, that the object has at least one common component and / or at least one of the objects. It means that a component and / or an object is integrally coupled and / or formed to at least one component and / or another object of another object. It should be understood that "integrally" is, in particular in this context, at least connected and / or formed together in a material connection. Material connections can be made, for example, by bonding processes, spraying processes, welding processes, brazing processes, and / or other processes. However, preferably, it should be understood that integrally is molded from one part and / or as one part. Preferably, this one part is made from only one material, compound, and / or casting, eg, by extrusion and / or injection molding. This can achieve a particularly suitable compact configuration.

Preferably, it is further proposed that the disengagement unit comprises at least one disengagement element located in the steering gear casing, which in particular achieves particularly simple and / or efficient force transfer. obtain. Preferably, in this case, the disengagement element is formed as a contact slope and is located in the area of the contact recess of the steering gear casing.

Alternatively or additionally, the disconnection unit is at least one other coupling that is part of another plug-in unit of the steering sensor unit that corresponds to the plug-in unit, in particular the other plug-in unit already mentioned above. It is suggested to include a release element. Preferably, in this case, another disengagement element applies a force particularly applied during the assembly process of the connector unit, preferably a rotational force, to disengage the coupling between the plug-in unit and the support unit. , It is provided so as to come into contact with the plug-in unit in the process of assembling the connector unit so as to be transmitted to the connecting element via the plug-in unit. As a result, a configuration that takes up almost no configuration space can be achieved.

Further, the plug-in unit comprises at least one plug-in element, particularly the plug-in element already described above, and at least one electrical conductor element for flexibly connecting the plug-in element to the support unit, particularly a cable. Is proposed to include. This allows the plug-in element to be suitably movable, especially during assembly and / or when the steering device is activated, thereby preferably compensating for errors and / or movement.

In a further configuration of the invention, the plug-in unit for coupling to the support unit and / or the support unit for coupling to the plug-in unit comprises at least one elastic compensating element, the compensating element being a differential. At least one plug-in element of the plug-in unit, particularly the plug-in element already described above, is provided to spring-support at least during the process of assembling the connector unit, especially in the plug-in direction. In this case, the "compensation element" is particularly one element that is action-coupled to a support unit and / or a plug-in unit to apply force, especially compressive force, to at least one plug-in element. It should be understood that it is an element provided for and / or transmission. Preferably, in this case, the compensating element at least compensates for the force generated in the process of assembling the connector unit and / or transmits this force to the plug-in element and another plug-in element. It is provided to allow the connection between the two so that direct and / or automatic electrical contact of the steering sensor unit can be made in the process of assembling the connector unit. Further, the compensating element is preferably provided to stabilize the plug-in element during connection of the plug-in element and / or to hold it in a defined and / or defined orientation. In this case, preferably, at least one of the connecting elements is arranged in the compensating element. The compensating element can be formed, for example, as a rubber element, as an elastomer element, as a silicone element, and / or as a gel element. However, preferably, the compensating element is formed as a spring element, particularly as a tensile spring and / or a compression spring, and as a metal spring that is particularly suitable. Further, an "elastic object" is particularly at least one partial region and / or at least one partial region whose position is variable at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm under normal operating conditions. It should be understood that the object has at least one portion and generates a counterforce that is particularly dependent on the change in position, preferably proportional to the change, and particularly reacts to the change. In particular, elastic elements are repetitive, deformable without any particular damage, and will automatically try to reshape themselves, especially after deformation. This allows a particularly suitable assembly process to be achieved, in which case the error can be compensated, especially during the assembly process, and / or the maximum allowable insertion force is changed according to the maximum assembly force. can do. In particular, damage to the plug-in element can be avoided.

In addition, it has been proposed that a connector unit be provided to provide an electrical connection between the sensor accommodation area and the outer surface of the steering gear casing, which in particular makes the steering sensor unit particularly simple electrical. Contact can be achieved. Preferably, in this case, the support unit is specifically formed as a cable guide for the plug-in unit cable and / or sensor cable and / or specifically for the plug-in unit cable and / or sensor cable. It has a cable guide, and the cable and / or sensor cable may be provided, for example, to form and / or provide an electrical connection to the control device of the steering device. Particularly preferably, the support unit is formed separately from the steering gear casing and is firmly connected to the steering gear casing in the assembled state.

The steering device is provided to define the orientation of the connector unit relative to the steering gear casing during the assembly process, and the connector unit is provided relative to the steering gear casing during the assembly process. A particularly easy and / or reliable disconnection of the plug-in element is provided, especially if the steering gear casing provided for guiding has a guide unit, preferably located on the outer surface of the steering gear casing. , Especially can be achieved. Preferably, in this case, the guide unit comprises at least one guide element formed as a guide recess and / or a guide groove.

The present invention is further a method for assembling a steering device, wherein the steering device is arranged in a steering gear casing providing a sensor accommodating area and in the sensor accommodating area in an assembled state, particularly centering on a steering axis. A steering sensor unit for detecting steering information of a rotatably supported steering shaft, particularly at least one, and a contact recess, particularly a hole and / or a closed contact recess of the steering gear casing in the assembled state, especially in the circumferential direction. A connector unit arranged in the opening, particularly including a steering sensor unit in the assembled state of the connector unit, and particularly a connector unit for direct and electrical contact, and this connector unit is a steering sensor unit. The present invention relates to a method for assembling a steering device, which comprises a plug-in unit for connecting to and at least a support unit connected to the plug-in unit in a pre-assembled state of the connector unit.

The force applied during the assembly process of the connector unit, especially by the disconnection unit, so that the coupling between the insertion unit and the support unit is released during the assembly process of the connector unit, so that the insertion unit and / Alternatively, it is suggested to transmit to the support unit. In particular, this can achieve the advantages already mentioned above. Particularly in this case, the contact of the steering sensor unit, which is advantageously reliable / or flexible, can be achieved with the specified insertion force.

Preferably, in this case, in the first assembly step, at least from the plug-in unit and the support unit, a pre-assembled sub-assembly that is mechanically connected to each other is manufactured, and in the second assembly step, at least. A pre-assembled steering sensor structure group is manufactured from the steering sensor unit and the steering shaft, and in the third assembly step, the pre-assembled steering sensor structure group is mounted in the assembly opening of the steering gear casing. In the fourth assembly step, a pre-assembled connector unit in the form of a sub-assembly is mounted in the contact recess of the steering gear casing, which achieves direct electrical contact of the steering sensor unit and at the same time the connector. The force applied during the unit assembly process, especially by the disengagement unit, is such that the particularly mechanical coupling between the plug-in unit and the support unit is particularly automatically and / or spontaneously disengaged. It is transmitted to the plug-in unit and / or the support unit, and in the fifth assembly step, the assembly opening is closed by the casing cover. However, in this case, optionally, the individual assembly steps and / or the set of assembly steps may be modified.

The method for assembling the steering device, the steering system, the connector unit, and the steering device should not be limited to the above-mentioned use and configuration in this case. In particular, steering devices, steering systems, connector units, and methods for assembling steering devices are described herein for individual elements, components, and units to meet the functional forms described herein. It may have a number different from the number.

Drawings Further advantages are evident from the description of the drawings below. The drawings show examples of the present invention. The drawings, detailed description, and claims include many aspects of the invention. By one of ordinary skill in the art, these embodiments will be considered individually according to the purpose and combined into another advantageous combination.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the steering system as an example provided with the steering apparatus. It is a perspective sectional view which shows the steering apparatus in an assembled state. It is a figure which shows the detailed view of the steering apparatus of FIG. 2 in one assembled state. It is a figure which shows the detailed view of the steering apparatus of FIG. 2 in another assembled state. It is a perspective view which shows the connector unit of a steering apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the steering gear casing of a steering apparatus. It is a flowchart as an example which shows the method for assembling the steering apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows another embodiment of another steering apparatus in one assembled state. It is a perspective view which shows another embodiment of another steering apparatus in another assembly state. 6 is a perspective view showing a steering gear casing of the steering device of FIGS. 6a to 6b. FIG. 3 is a perspective sectional view showing another embodiment of another steering device.

Explanation of Examples FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a steering system 42a merely as an example. The steering system 42a is formed as an electrically assisted steering system and thus has an electrically assisted power assist. Further, the steering system 42a is provided for use in vehicles (not shown), especially in automobiles. The steering system 42a has an action coupling portion with the tire of the vehicle in the assembled state, and is provided to affect the traveling direction of the vehicle. In principle, of course, it is also conceivable that the steering system is formed as a hydraulically assisted steering system, particularly with hydraulically assisted power assist.

The steering system 42a has a steering device. In this case, the steering device includes a steering handle 44a formed as, for example, a steering wheel in order to apply a manual steering moment, and further, in order to convert a specified amount of steering in the steering handle 44a into steering motion of a vehicle tire. It includes a known steering gear 46a provided. To this end, the steering gear 46a includes a steering actuating element 48a and a steering gear casing 10a, the steering gear casing providing a first casing portion 50a for the steering actuating element 48a and a sensor accommodating area 12a ( In particular, it also has a second casing portion 52a (see also FIGS. 2 and 4b).

Further, the steering device includes a known steering shaft 54a. The steering shaft 54a connects the steering handle 44a to the steering gear 46a, particularly to the steering actuating element 48a, for which the steering gear casing 10a defines at least partially, in particular the sensor accommodation area 12a, in the assembled state. In particular, it is mounted in the assembly opening 56a of the second casing portion 52a. The longitudinal extension of the steering shaft 54a in this case defines the axial direction 58a. The steering shaft 54a is rotatably supported around a steering axis oriented parallel to the axial direction 58a. Further, the steering shaft 54a is formed of a plurality of portions. The steering shaft 54a includes an input shaft in the form of a steering spindle assigned to the steering handle 44a, and an output shaft in the form of a steering pinion assigned to the steering gear 46a and formed separately from the input shaft. Includes a torsion element, preferably formed as a torsion bar, that connects the input shaft to the output shaft. However, in principle, it is conceivable that the steering shaft is integrally formed.

Further, the steering device includes a casing cover 60a. The casing cover 60a has, for example, a through opening for the steering shaft 54a, which is sealed by an injection molded seal element. The casing cover 60a is provided in the assembled state to shield the assembly opening 56a of the steering gear casing 10a, and thus the sensor accommodating area 12a, in the axial direction 58a, and particularly to close the assembly airtightly.

Further, the steering device has a steering sensor unit 14a. The steering sensor unit 14a is arranged in the sensor accommodating area 12a in the assembled state, and in this case, surrounds the steering shaft 54a in the circumferential direction. In this case, the steering sensor unit 14a is provided based on the rotation of the steering shaft 54a, in particular, at least one steering information related to the operation of the steering handle 44a, particularly to detect the steering angle and / or the steering moment. ing. To this end, the steering sensor unit 14a includes a sensor casing 62a specifically formed as a housing casing and at least one sensor element (not shown) disposed within the sensor casing 62a for detecting steering information. include.

Further, the steering sensor unit 14a includes a first plug-in unit 30a. The first insertion unit 30a is supported in the sensor casing 62a. In this case, the first insertion unit 30a is firmly and / or is arranged so as to be relatively immovable with respect to the steering gear casing 10a in the assembled state of the steering sensor unit 14a. The first plug-in unit 30a includes a first plug-in element 64a. The first plug-in element 64a is electrically connected to the sensor element of the steering sensor unit 14a or to the lead frame connected to the sensor element. The first plug-in element 64a is in this case formed, for example, as a coupling and / or a socket. However, instead, the first plug-in unit may include one first plug-in element and / or a plurality of first plug-in elements formed as plugs.

For electrical contact between the steering sensor unit 14a and particularly the first plug-in unit 30a, the steering device further includes a connector unit 18a (see also FIG. 4a in particular). The connector unit 18a is formed separately from the steering gear casing 10a, and is firmly connected to the steering gear casing 10a and particularly to the second casing portion 52a in the assembled state. In this case, the connector unit 18a is arranged in the contact recess 16a of the steering gear casing 10a, especially in the form of holes and / or openings, in the assembled state. Therefore, the connector unit 18a is at least partially located outside the steering gear casing 10a and can be connected to the steering gear casing 10a during the assembly process, for example by an assembler and / or by a machine. In this case, the connector unit 18a is preferably mounted in the contact recess 16a by linear motion. The connector unit 18a is further formed as a cable guide and is provided to provide an electrical connection between the sensor accommodating area 12a and the outer surface 38a of the steering gear casing 10a.

For electrical connection with the steering sensor unit 14a, the connector unit 18a includes a second plug-in unit 20a that can be connected to the first plug-in unit 30a. For this purpose, the second plug-in unit 20a includes a second plug-in element 32a. The second plug-in element 32a is formed so as to correspond to the first plug-in element 64a. The second plug-in element 32a is formed in this case, for example, as a plug, particularly as a standard plug. Further, the second insertion element 32a can be connected to the first insertion element 64a in the insertion direction 66a oriented perpendicular to the axial direction 58a. The second plug-in element 32a is provided to be connected to the first plug-in element 64a in the plug-in direction 66a, thereby allowing electrical contact of the steering sensor unit 14a. ing. However, instead, the second plug-in unit may include one second plug-in element and / or a plurality of second plug-in elements formed as couplings and / or sockets. Further, the second plug-in unit 20a includes at least one electrical conductor element 34a. The electrical conductor element 34a is flexible and is specifically formed as a cable in this case. The electrical conductor element 34a is formed as a sensor cable and is provided for flexible connection between the second plug-in element 32a and, for example, the control device 68a of the steering device. However, as an alternative, the connector unit has at least one sensor cable plug-in element specifically located in the outer region of the steering gear casing, which is provided specifically for connecting additional sensor cables. May be good.

Further, the second plug-in unit 20a includes an elastic compensating element 36a in this case. The compensation element 36a is assigned to the second insertion element 32a and is act-coupled to the second insertion element. In this case, the compensation element 36a is in contact with the second insertion element 32a. The compensation element 36a is attached to the second insertion element 32a. In this case, the compensating element 36a surrounds at least most, preferably completely, the electrical conductor element 34a. Further, the compensating element 36a is formed as a spring element, particularly as a tension spring and / or a compression spring. For this purpose, the compensation element 36a is provided so that the second insertion element 32a is spring-loaded during the assembly process of the connector unit 18a at least in the insertion direction 66a. In this case, the compensation element 36a loads the second insertion element 32a with a force acting in the insertion direction 66a, and acts on the second insertion element 32a when the insertion elements 32a and 64a are connected. It is provided to attenuate and / or compensate for the insertion force. Further, the compensation element 36a stabilizes the second insertion element 32a when the insertion elements 32a and 64a are connected, and enables the connection between the first insertion element 64a and the second insertion element 32a. It is provided to hold in a defined and / or oriented orientation and preferably to compensate for errors during the assembly process of the connector unit 18a. However, as an alternative, the compensating element may be assigned to a component of the connector unit that is not the second plug-in unit, eg, a support unit. Further, it is conceivable that a plurality of compensation elements are provided. Further, the compensating element may be arranged so as not to come into direct contact with the second insertion element. The compensating element may be formed as an elastic element rather than a spring element. Furthermore, in principle, it is conceivable to completely omit the compensation element.

Further, the second plug-in unit 20a includes at least one connecting element 70a (see also FIGS. 3a and 3b in particular). In this case, the second plug-in unit 20a has a plurality of connecting elements 70a, and the drawings show only one of these connecting elements 70a for the sake of clarity. The connecting element 70a is arranged on the compensating element 36a, particularly on the back surface of the compensating element 36a on the opposite side of the second insertion element 32a. The connecting element 70a is formed as a locking element, in this case particularly as a locking recess and / or a locking groove. However, in principle, it is possible that the connecting element is located in the second plug-in element. Further, at least one connecting element may be formed as a locking arm, a locking lever, and / or a locking hook in principle.

Further, the connector unit 18a includes a support unit 22a (particularly also see FIG. 4a). The support unit 22a includes a support body 71a. The support body 71a is in contact with the steering gear casing 10a in the assembled state, and the contact recess 16a is fluidly closed. The support body 71a further defines a cable guide passage 72a for the electrical conductor element 34a. In this case, the second plug-in element 32a is flexibly connected to the support unit 22a by the electrical conductor element 34a. Further, the support unit 22a is mechanically connected to the second insertion unit 20a at least in a pre-assembled state of the connector unit 18a. In this case, the support unit 22a is connected to the second insertion unit 20a in a frictional connection and / or in a shape connection. In this case, the support unit 22a is connected to the second insertion unit 20a by a locking connection. The support unit 22a receives at least a part of the weight of the second insertion unit 20a, and in particular, in order to enable connection between the insertion elements 32a and 64a, at least in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a. It is provided to mechanically stabilize the second insertion unit 20a.

For coupling to the second plug-in unit 20a, the support unit 22a includes at least one other coupling element 74a (see, in particular, FIGS. 3a and 3b). In this case, the support unit 22a has a plurality of different connecting elements 74a, and the drawings show only one of these different connecting elements 74a for clarity. Another connecting element 74a is arranged on the support body 71a. Another connecting element 74a is formed so as to correspond to the connecting element 70a. Another connecting element 74a is formed as a locking lever and is displaceable in a direction oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction 66a. Another coupling element 74a is provided to cooperate with the coupling element 70a to allow coupling between the support unit 22a and the second plug-in unit 20a, in this case particularly the compensating element 36a. There is. In this case, in the connected state, another connecting element 74a has a preload in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 66a, whereby the difference between the support unit 22a and the second. A secure connection with the embedding unit 20a can be achieved. However, in principle, it is also conceivable that at least one other connecting element is formed as a locking recess and / or a locking groove.

Further, the steering device includes a disconnection unit 24a. The disconnection unit 24a is actuated and coupled to the steering gear casing 10a and the connector unit 18a. In this case, the connection release unit 24a is integrally formed with the steering gear casing 10a. In the disconnection unit 24a, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a, particularly a linear insertion force, is applied to the second insertion unit 20a and the support unit 22a in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a. It is provided in the support unit 22a so as to be transmitted to, in particular, to another connecting element 74a so as to break the coupling with the support unit 22a. In this case, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a is mainly brought about by the linear insertion operation of the connector unit 18a. Therefore, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a is brought about by the linear insertion operation of the connector unit 18a in order to release the coupling between the second insertion unit 20a and the support unit 22a. Includes the plugging force component.

In this case, the disconnection unit 24a includes at least one disconnection element 26a (particularly also with reference to FIG. 3a) arranged in the steering gear casing 10a. The disconnection element 26a is arranged in the region of the contact recess 16a of the steering gear casing 10a. In this case, the disconnection element 26a is formed as a contact slope. The disconnection element 26a cooperates with another coupling element 74a in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a to displace the other coupling element 74a in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 66a. Therefore, in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a, the coupling between the second insertion unit 20a and the support unit 22a is automatically / or naturally released. However, alternative or additionally, the disconnection unit may be provided so that the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit is transmitted to the second insertion unit. Further, the disconnection unit may include a plurality of disconnection elements in principle.

Further, the steering device may include a guide unit 40a (particularly see FIG. 4b). The guide unit 40a is arranged in the steering gear casing 10a. In this case, the guide unit 40a is arranged on the outer surface 38a of the steering gear casing 10a, particularly in the region of the contact recess 16a of the steering gear casing 10a. The guide unit 40a fixes the connector unit 18a in a direction relative to the steering gear casing 10a in the assembling process, and makes the connector unit 18a relative to the steering gear casing 10a in the assembling process. In particular, it is provided to guide in linear motion.

For this purpose, the guide unit 40a includes at least one guide element 76a, 78a. In this case, the guide unit 40a includes two guide elements 76a and 78a facing each other. In this case, the guide elements 76a and 78a are formed as guide recesses and / or guide grooves, respectively, and have a linear extension in the insertion direction 66a. The guide elements 76a and 78a are provided so as to cooperate with another guide element 80a and 82a of the connector unit 18a, particularly the support unit 22a, in order to guide the connector unit 18a in the assembling process. However, instead, the guide unit may include only one guide element located in the steering gear casing. Furthermore, it is conceivable to completely omit the guide unit.

Further, the steering device has a connector unit 18a, particularly a mounting unit 84a provided for mounting the support unit 22a to the steering gear casing 10a. For this purpose, the mounting unit 84a is assigned to at least one first mounting element 86a assigned to the connector unit 18a and a steering gear casing 10a formed to correspond to the first mounting element 86a. Also includes at least one second mounting element 88a. Basically, in this case, the mounting unit 84a may include any number of mounting elements 86a, 88a. However, preferably, the mounting unit 84a includes at least two first mounting elements 86a assigned to the connector unit 18a and at least two second mounting elements 88a assigned to the steering gear casing 10a. In this case, the mounting elements 86a and 88a are formed as, for example, locking elements. The mounting elements 86a and 88a are provided to fix the position of the connector unit 18a at the final assembly position.

Hereinafter, an exemplary method for assembling the steering device will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first assembly step 90a, at least the second insertion unit 20a and the support unit 22a are mechanically connected to each other to produce a pre-assembled subassembly.

Further, in the second assembly step 92a, a pre-assembled steering sensor structure group is manufactured from at least the steering sensor unit 14a and the steering shaft 54a.

In the third assembly step 94a, the pre-assembled steering sensor structure group is mounted in the assembly opening 56a of the steering gear casing 10a, and at this time, the steering shaft 56a is directly pushed to the terminal position.

In the fourth assembly step 96a, the connector unit 18a in the form of a pre-assembled sub-assembly is mounted in the contact recess 16a of the steering gear casing 10a, and in this case, the steering gear casing of the connector unit 18a is attached by the guide unit 40a. A defined orientation is defined relative to 10a and linear guidance of the connector unit 18a relative to the steering gear casing 10a, thereby achieving direct electrical contact of the steering sensor unit 14a. Can be done. Preferably, in this case, in the process of assembling the connector unit 18a, the second insertion element 32a is joined to the end stopper so that the compensation element 36a is crushed in the insertion direction 66a. At the same time, the force applied during the assembly process of the connector unit 18a is automatically and / or spontaneously released from the connection between the second insertion unit 20a and the support unit 22a, especially by the disconnection unit 24a. As such, it is transmitted to the support unit 22a, especially to another connecting element 74a. Next, at the final assembly position, the connector unit 18a is fixed to the steering gear casing 10a by the mounting elements 86a and 88a.

In the fifth assembly step 98a, the assembly opening 56a is closed by the casing cover 60a.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 illustrates a method for assembling the steering device in this case, especially as a mere example. In particular, the order of the individual assembly steps and / or the assembly steps may be changed. Further, for example, if a pre-assembled sub-assembly and / or a pre-assembled steering sensor structure group has already been purchased, in principle, the first assembly step 90a and / or the second assembly step. It is also possible to omit 92a. Further, in the fourth assembly step 96a, a guide other than the linear guide of the connector unit 18a may be performed, and / or the force applied in the assembly process of the connector unit 18a is particularly exerted by the disconnection unit 24a. It may be transmitted to the second plug-in unit 20a.

6a-8 show another embodiment of the present invention. The following description and drawings are substantially limited to the differences between the embodiments, in this case, with respect to the similarly indicated components, in particular with respect to the components containing the same reference numerals, in particular, in particular. The drawings and / or description of the other embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 can be referred to. In order to distinguish the embodiments, the letters a are added after the reference numerals of the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 5. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6a-8, the letters a are replaced by the letters b and c.

6a-7 show another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6a-7, the letter b is added later. In another embodiment of FIGS. 6a to 7, substantially different from the above-described embodiment, at least the configuration of the coupling between the second insertion unit 20b and the support unit 22b of the connector unit 18b of the steering device is configured. It's different.

In this case, the second insertion unit 20b and the support unit 22b are connected to each other by a insertion rotation connection.

The second plug-in unit 20b does not have a compensating element in this case. Therefore, the connecting element 70b of the second plug-in unit 20b is directly arranged on the second plug-in element 32b of the second plug-in unit 20b. The connecting element 70b is further formed as a bolt / nut element.

Further, the support unit 22b includes an elastic compensating element 36b. In this case, the compensation element 36b is in contact with the support main body 71b and the second insertion element 32b. The compensation element 36b is attached to the support body 71b. In this case, another connecting element 74b of the support unit 22b is disposed on the compensating element 36b, particularly in front of the compensating element 36b facing the second insertion element 32b. Another connecting element 74b is further formed as a bolt / nut element.

Further, the disconnection release unit 24b is actuated and coupled to the steering sensor unit 14b. The decoupling unit 24b is integrally formed with the steering sensor unit 14b, particularly with the first insertion unit 30b of the steering sensor unit 14b. In the disconnection unit 24b, the force applied in the assembly process of the connector unit 18b, particularly the rotational force, is applied between the second insertion unit 20b and the support unit 22b in the assembly process of the connector unit 18b. It is provided so as to be transmitted to the support unit 22b, particularly to another connecting element 74b, via the first insertion unit 30b and the second insertion unit 20b so as to break the coupling. .. In this case, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit 18b is, in this case, brought about by the rotational movement of the connector unit 18b, especially 90 °. Therefore, the force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit 18b is a rotational force component brought about by the rotational movement of the connector unit 18b in order to release the coupling between the second insertion unit 20b and the support unit 22b. including.

In this case, the disconnection unit 24b includes at least one disconnection element 28b arranged in the steering sensor unit 14b, which is a part of the first insertion unit 30b. In this case, the disconnection element 28b corresponds to the wall of the first insertion element 64b of the first insertion unit 30b that defines the holding force. In this case, the disconnection element 28b cooperates with the second insertion element 32b in the process of assembling the connector unit 18b to hold the second insertion element 32b during the rotational movement of the connector unit 18b. In the process of assembling the connector unit 18b, the connection between the second insertion unit 20b and the support unit 22b is automatically and / or spontaneously released.

FIG. 7 further shows a guide unit 40b arranged in the steering gear casing 10b of the steering device. In this case, the guide unit 40b is provided to guide the connector unit 18b in the rotational motion relative to the steering gear casing 10b in the assembling process.

To this end, the guide unit 40b includes a guide element 76b formed as a guide recess and / or a guide groove having a curved and / or bent extension at least in a predetermined portion. In this case, the guide element 76b is between the first guide portion having a linear extension for introducing the connector unit 18b into the steering gear casing 10b, the second insertion unit 20b, and the support unit 22b. Includes a second guide portion having a curved and / or bent extension for breaking the coupling. Therefore, the guide unit 40b is also a part of the disconnection unit 24b in this case as well. However, in principle, such a guide unit can be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the letter c is added later. Another embodiment of FIG. 8 is substantially different from the above-described embodiment at least in the arrangement of the mounting unit 84c of the steering device.

In this case, the connector unit 18c includes the second insertion unit 20c and the support unit 22c, and at least substantially corresponds to the connector unit 18a of the first embodiment.

In order to connect to the second plug-in unit 20c, the support unit 22c has at least one other connecting element 74c arranged in the support body 71c of the support unit 22c, as in the first embodiment. To allow the support unit 22c to be coupled to the second plug-in unit 20c, in this case particularly to the compensating element 36c of the second plug-in unit 20c. Is provided so as to cooperate with the disconnection element 70c of the second insertion unit 20c.

Further, the first mounting element 86c of the mounting unit 84c assigned to the connector unit 18c is arranged in another connecting element 74c. In this case, the first mounting element 86c is integrally formed with another connecting element 74c. In this case, the first mounting element 86c is formed, for example, as a locking edge, is assigned to the steering gear casing 10c, and cooperates with the second mounting element 88c, which is formed, for example, as a locking recess. It is provided.

Claims (15)

A steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c) that is a steering device and provides a sensor accommodation area (12a), and a steering sensor unit (14a; 14b) that is arranged in the sensor accommodation area (12a) in an assembled state. And the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c), the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is a plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) for connecting to the steering sensor unit (14a; 14b), and at least the connector. In a steering device comprising a support unit (22a; 22b; 22c) connected to the plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) in a pre-assembled state of the unit (18a; 18b; 18c).
In the process of assembling the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c), the coupling between the insertion unit (20a; 20c; 20c) and the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c) is released. , The force applied in the assembling process of the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is transmitted to the insertion unit (20a; 20c; 20c) and / or the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c). A steering device, characterized in that a disconnection unit (24a; 24b) is provided in the steering device. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion unit (20a; 20c; 20c) and the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c) are coupled to each other in a frictional connection and / or in a shape connection. .. The steering according to claim 2, wherein the plug unit (20a; 20c; 20c) and the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c) are coupled to each other by a locking connection and / or by a plug rotation connection. Device. The force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit (18a; 18c) is to release the coupling between the insertion unit (20a; 20c) and the support unit (22a; 22c). The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one plug-in force component provided by a linear plug-in operation of the unit (18a; 18c). The force applied in the process of assembling the connector unit (18b) is the rotation of the connector unit (18b) in order to release the coupling between the insertion unit (20b) and the support unit (22b). The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises at least one rotational force component brought about by motion. 1. The disconnection unit (24a; 24b) is at least partially integrally formed with the steering sensor unit (14a; 14b) and / or the steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c). The steering device according to any one of 1 to 5. The disconnection unit (24a) includes at least one disconnection element (26a) disposed in the steering gear casing (10a; 10c), the disconnection element being formed as a contact slope and the steering. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is arranged in the region of the contact recess (16a) of the gear casing (10a; 10c). The disconnection unit (24b) comprises at least one other disconnection element (28b), wherein the other disconnection element corresponds to the plug-in unit (20b) of the steering sensor unit (14b). The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is a part of another plug-in unit (30b). The plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) flexibly attaches at least one plug-in element (32a; 32b) and the plug-in element (32a; 32b) to the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c). The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the steering device includes at least one electrical conductor element (34a) for connecting, particularly including a cable. The support unit for binding to the plug unit (20a; 20c; 20c) and / or the plug unit (20a; 20c; 20c) for binding to the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c). (22a; 22b; 22c) includes at least one elastic compensating element (36a; 36b; 36c), wherein the compensating element is at least one plug-in element of the plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c). The steering according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is provided to springily support (32a; 32b) at least during the assembly process of the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c). Device. The connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is provided to provide an electrical connection between the sensor accommodating area (12a) and the outer surface (38a) of the steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c). The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A guide unit (40a; 40b) is provided, and the guide unit is relative to the steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c) of the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) in the assembly process. The connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is provided to guide the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) relative to the steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c) in the assembly process. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A steering system (42a) comprising at least one steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) of the steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. In particular, a method for assembling the steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the steering device includes a steering gear casing (10a; 10b; 10c) that provides a sensor accommodating area (12a). The steering gear for electrically contacting the steering sensor unit (14a; 14b) arranged in the sensor accommodating area (12a) in the assembled state and the steering sensor unit (14a; 14b) in the assembled state. The connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) includes a connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) arranged in a contact recess (16a) of the casing (10a; 10b; 10c), and the steering sensor unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is the steering sensor unit (18a; 18b; 18c). The plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) for connecting to 14a; 14b) and at least the plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) in a pre-assembled state of the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c). In a method for assembling a steering device, including a support unit (22a; 22b; 22c) coupled to.
The force applied in the assembly process of the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is applied to the insertion unit (20a; 20c; 20c) and the support in the assembly process of the connector unit (18a; 18b; 18c). Communicating to the plug-in unit (20a; 20c; 20c) and / or the support unit (22a; 22b; 22c) so that the coupling with the body unit (22a; 22b; 22c) is disengaged. A method for assembling a steering device, which is characterized by.

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